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Biomedical subjects

G van Poppel

Publications and source records attributed to G van Poppel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and flow-mediated dilatation are related to the estimated risk of coronary heart disease independently from each other.

BACKGROUND: Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) are measures of distinct functions of the endothelium, reflecting nitric oxide (NO)-mediated and pro-inflammatory status, respectively. The comparative value of the two measures in relation to cardiovascular risk is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To study and quantify the relation between these two measures, and their relative value in relation to the risk of coronary heart disease as estimated by the Framingham risk function. METHODS: We performed a single centre population-based study of 85 men and 81 women, aged 18-73 years. Endothelial function was assessed biochemically by sICAM-1 and functionally by FMD. In addition traditional cardiovascular risk factors, CRP, leukocyte count, homocysteine and fibrinogen were determined. Analyses were performed with multivariate linear regression, adjusted for age, gender, and CRP. RESULTS: Median sICAM-1 levels were 217.0 microg/l (interquartile range: 174.0-348.5). Mean FMD was 4.5% (S.D.: 3.9). The regression coefficient for the association between sICAM-1 and FMD was -3.3 microg/l (95% CI: -6.0;-0.6) per percentage rise in FMD, after adjustment for age, gender, smoking, oral contraceptives (OC) use, classical risk factors and CRP. After adjustment for CRP and sICAM-1, the estimated risk of coronary heart disease in the next 10 years varied from 1.55% (95%CI: 0.89; 2.70) in the highest quintile of FMD to 3.92% (95% CI: 2.23; 6.92) in the lowest quintile. For sICAM-1, estimated risk, adjusted for FMD and CRP varied from 1.50% (95%CI: 0.85; 2.64) in the lowest quintile of sICAM-1 to 4.15% (95%CI: 2.35; 7.34) in the highest quintile. P-values for trends were 0.02 and 0.01 for quintiles of FMD and quintiles of sICAM-1, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that sICAM-1 and FMD are related in healthy individuals, independently of cardiovascular risk factors and CRP, and that they are both related to the estimated risk of coronary heart disease, independently of each other.

Adolescent↗

Fruit and vegetables and cardiovascular risk profile: a diet controlled intervention study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of fruit and vegetables consumption on markers of risk for cardiovascular disease. DESIGN: Randomised, diet controlled, parallel study. SUBJECTS: Forty-eight apparently healthy (40--60 y) volunteers with a low usual consumption of fruit and vegetables. Forty-seven of them completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: During 4 weeks 24 volunteers consumed a standardised meal, consisting of 500 g/day fruit and vegetables and 200 ml/day fruit juice ('high' group) and 23 volunteers consumed 100 g/day fruit and vegetables ('low' group) with an energy and fat controlled diet. RESULTS: Final total cholesterol was 0.2 (95% CI -0.5--0.03) mmol/l lower in the high group than in the low group (P>0.05). Final fibrinogen and systolic blood pressure were 0.1 (-0.1--0.4) g/l and 2.8 (-2.6--8.1) mmHg higher in the high group than in the low group (P>0.05), respectively. Also, other final serum lipid concentrations, diastolic blood pressure and other haemostatic factors did not differ between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This was a small randomised well-controlled dietary intervention trial of short duration with a considerable contrast in fruit and vegetable consumption. No effects on serum lipids, blood pressure and haemostatic variables were observed.

Adult↗

Vegetable and fruit consumption and risks of colon and rectal cancer in a prospective cohort study: The Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer.

The relation between vegetable and fruit consumption and colorectal cancer risk was comprehensively assessed in the Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer using a validated 150-item food frequency questionnaire. After 6.3 years of follow-up (1986-1992), over 1,000 incident cases of colorectal cancer were registered. Using case-cohort analysis, the authors calculated rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for age, alcohol intake, and family history of colorectal cancer. For colon cancer, no statistically significant associations with total vegetable intake or total fruit intake were found. However, among women, an inverse association was observed with vegetables and fruits combined (for the highest quintile vs. the lowest, the rate ratio was 0.66 (95% confidence interval: 0.44, 1.01)). Brassica vegetables and cooked leafy vegetables showed inverse associations for both men and women. Among women and, to a lesser extent, among men, inverse associations were stronger for distal colonic tumors than for proximal colonic tumors. For rectal cancer, no statistically significant associations were found for vegetable consumption or fruit consumption or for specific groups of vegetables and fruits; only Brassica vegetables showed a positive association in women. As in other cohort studies, the observed inverse relation between vegetable and fruit consumption and occurrence of colorectal cancer was less strong than relations reported in case-control studies.

Age Distribution↗

Fruits and vegetables increase plasma carotenoids and vitamins and decrease homocysteine in humans.

Observational epidemiologic studies have shown that a high consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases. Little is known about the bioavailability of constituents from vegetables and fruits and the effect of these constituents on markers for disease risk. Currently, the recommendation is to increase intake of a mix of fruits and vegetables ("five a day"). We investigated the effect of this recommendation on plasma carotenoids, vitamins and homocysteine concentrations in a 4-wk dietary controlled, parallel intervention study. Male and female volunteers (n = 47) were allocated randomly to either a daily 500-g fruit and vegetable ("high") diet or a 100-g fruit and vegetable ("low") diet. Analyzed total carotenoid, vitamin C and folate concentrations of the daily high diet were 13.3 mg, 173 mg and 228.1 microg, respectively. The daily low diet contained 2.9 mg carotenoids, 65 mg vitamin C and 131.1 microg folate. Differences in final plasma levels between the high and low group were as follows: lutein, 46% [95% confidence interval (CI) 28-64]; beta-cryptoxanthin, 128% (98-159); lycopene, 22% (8-37); alpha-carotene, 121% (94-149); beta-carotene, 45% (28-62); and vitamin C, 64% (51-77) (P < 0.05). The high group had an 11% (-18 to -4) lower final plasma homocysteine and a 15% (0.8-30) higher plasma folate concentration compared with the low group (P < 0.05). This is the first trial to show that a mix of fruits and vegetables, with a moderate folate content, decreases plasma homocysteine concentrations in humans.

Adult↗

In vitro and in vivo inhibition of human flavin-containing monooxygenase form 3 (FMO3) in the presence of dietary indoles.

The effect of consumption of glucosinolate-containing Brussels sprouts on flavin-containing monooxygenase functional activity in humans was investigated in 10 healthy, male, non-smoking volunteers. After a 3-week run-in period, 5 volunteers continued on a glucosinolate-free diet for 3 weeks (control group), and 5 others consumed 300 g of cooked Brussels sprouts per day (sprouts group). Human flavin-containing monooxygenase activity was measured by determining the levels of urinary trimethylamine and trimethylamine N-oxide. In the control group similar trimethylamine to trimethylamine N-oxide ratios were observed, while in the sprouts group the trimethylamine to trimethylamine N-oxide ratios were increased 2.6- to 3.2-fold, and thus flavin-containing monooxygenase functional activity was decreased significantly. To investigate the molecular basis for the in vivo inhibition of functional human flavin-containing monooxygenase activity, in vitro studies were carried out examining the effect of acid condensation products of indole-3-carbinol, anticipated to be formed after transit of Brussels sprouts through the gastrointestinal system, on the prominent cDNA-expressed human flavin-containing monooxygenase form 3 enzymes. Two indole-containing materials were observed to be potent inhibitors of human flavin-containing monooxygenases, having Ki values in the low micromolar range. The results suggested that acid condensation products expected to be formed upon transit of Brussels sprouts materials through the gastrointestinal system were potent competitive inhibitors of human flavin-containing monooxygenase form 3 enzymes. The findings indicate that daily intake of Brussels sprouts may lead to a decrease in human flavin-containing monooxygenase activity, and this may have consequences for metabolism of other xenobiotics or dietary constituents.

Adult↗

Brassica vegetables and cancer prevention. Epidemiology and mechanisms.

This paper first gives an overview of the epidemiological data concerning the cancer-preventive effect of brassica vegetables, including cabbages, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. A protective effect of brassicas against cancer may be plausible due to their relatively high content of glucosinolates. Certain hydrolysis products of glucosinolates have shown anticarcinogenic properties. The results of six cohort studies and 74 case-control studies on the association between brassica consumption and cancer risk are summarized. The cohort studies showed inverse associations between the consumption of brassica's and risk of lung cancer, stomach cancer, all cancers taken together. Of the case-control studies 64% showed an inverse association between consumption of one or more brassica vegetables and risk of cancer at various sites. Although the measured effects might have been distorted by various types of bias, it is concluded that a high consumption of brassica vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of cancer. This association appears to be most consistent for lung, stomach, colon and rectal cancer, and least consistent for prostatic, endometrial and ovarian cancer. It is not yet possible to resolve whether associations are to be attributed to brassica vegetables per se or to vegetables in general. Further epidemiological research should separate the anticarcinogenic effect of brassica vegetables from the effect of vegetables in general. The mechanisms by which brassica vegetables might decrease the risk of cancer are reviewed in the second part of this paper. Brassicas, including all types of cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, may be protective against cancer due to their glucosinolate content. Glucosinolates are usually broken down through hydrolysis catalysed by myrosinase, an enzyme that is released from damaged plant cells. Some of the hydrolysis products, viz. indoles, and isothiocyanates, are able to influence phase 1 and phase 2 biotransformation enzyme activities, thereby possibly influencing several processes related to chemical carcinogenesis, e.g. the metabolism, DNA-binding, and mutagenic activity of promutagens. Most evidence concerning anticarcinogenic effects of glucosinolate hydrolysis products and brassica vegetables has come from studies in animals. In addition, studies carried out in humans using high but still realistic human consumption levels of indoles and brassica vegetables have shown putative positive effects on health. The combination of epidemiological and experimental data provide suggestive evidence for a cancer preventive effect of a high intake of brassica vegetables.

Animals↗

Intake of fatty acids in western Europe with emphasis on trans fatty acids: the TRANSFAIR Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the intake of trans fatty acids (TFA) and other fatty acids in 14 Western European countries. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A maximum of 100 foods per country were sampled and centrally analysed. Each country calculated the intake of individual trans and other fatty acids, clusters of fatty acids and total fat in adults and/or the total population using the best available national food consumption data set. RESULTS: A wide variation was observed in the intake of total fat and (clusters) of fatty acids in absolute amounts. The variation in proportion of energy derived from total fat and from clusters of fatty acids was less. Only in Finland, Italy, Norway and Portugal total fat did provide on average less than 35% of energy intake. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) provided on average between 10% and 19% of total energy intake, with the lowest contribution in most Mediterranean countries. TFA intake ranged from 0.5% (Greece, Italy) to 2.1% (Iceland) of energy intake among men and from 0.8% (Greece) to 1.9% among women (Iceland) (1.2-6.7 g/d and 1.7-4.1 g/d, respectively). The TFA intake was lowest in Mediterranean countries (0.5-0.8 en%) but was also below 1% of energy in Finland and Germany. Moderate intakes were seen in Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway and UK and highest intake in Iceland. Trans isomers of C18:1 were the most TFA in the diet. Monounsaturated fatty acids contributed 9-12% of mean daily energy intake (except for Greece, nearly 18%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids 3-7%. CONCLUSION: The current intake of TFA in most Western European countries does not appear to be a reason for major concern. In several countries a considerable proportion of energy was derived from SFA. It would therefore be prudent to reduce intake of all cholesterol-raising fatty acids, TFA included.

Adult↗

Plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations are not decreased in male patients with coronary atherosclerosis.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important mitochondrial electron transfer component and has been postulated to function as a powerful antioxidant protecting LDL from oxidative damage. It could thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Thus far, beneficial effects of supplementation with CoQ10 have been reported. To study the relation between unsupplemented concentrations of plasma CoQ10 and coronary atherosclerosis, we performed a case-control study among 71 male cases with angiographically documented severe coronary atherosclerosis and 69 healthy male controls free from symptomatic cardiovascular disease and without atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery. Plasma CoQ10 concentrations (mean +/- SE) were 0.86+/-0.04 vs. 0.83+/-0.04 micromol/l for cases and controls, respectively. The CoQ10/LDL-cholesterol ratio (micromol/ mmol) was slightly lower in cases than in controls (0.22+/-0.01 vs. 0.26+/-0.03). Differences in CoQ10 concentrations and CoQ10/LDL-cholesterol ratio did not reach significance. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for the risk of coronary atherosclerosis calculated per micromol/l increase of CoQ10 was 1.12 (0.28-4.43) after adjustment for age, smoking habits, total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure. We conclude that an unsupplemented plasma CoQ10 concentration is not related to risk of coronary atherosclerosis.

Aged↗

Oxidation of LDL and extent of peripheral atherosclerosis.

Evidence has accumulated for oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) to play an important role in the atherogenic process. Therefore, we investigated the relation between susceptibility of LDL to oxidation and risk of peripheral atherosclerosis among 249 men between 45 and 80 years of age. The ankle-arm index was calculated for both legs as the ratio of systolic blood pressure in the leg divided by the arm systolic blood pressure. The lowest of both ankle-arm indices was used to categorize subjects. Thirty-nine men with an ankle-arm index < 1.00 (20% cut-off point of distribution) were classified as subjects with peripheral atherosclerosis. Subjects with peripheral atherosclerosis reported more often the use of a special diet and the use of antihypertensive medication, aspirin and coumarin derivatives. No significant differences in total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were present between groups. Resistance time and maximum rate of oxidation were measured ex vivo using copper-induced LDL oxidation. Subjects with peripheral atherosclerosis had a significantly lower resistance time, whereas the maximum rate of oxidation tended to be increased in subjects with peripheral atherosclerosis. Odds ratios (ORs, and 95% confidence interval) for the successive tertiles of resistance time were 1.00 (reference), 0.37 (0.15-0.89) and 0.37 (0.16-0.86) (p(trend) < 0.01). ORs for the successive tertiles of maximum rate of oxidation were 1.00 (reference), 1.34 (0.47-3.82) and 1.50 (0.55-4.15). This inverse association was borderline significant (p(trend) = 0.07). These results support an association between LDL oxidation and the development of peripheral atherosclerosis.

Aged↗

LDL oxidation and extent of coronary atherosclerosis.

Accumulated evidence indicates that oxidative modification of LDL plays an important role in the atherogenic process. Therefore, we investigated the relation between coronary atherosclerosis and susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in a case-control study in men between 45 and 80 years of age. Case subjects and hospital control subjects were selected from subjects undergoing a first coronary angiography. Subjects with severe coronary stenosis (> or = 85% stenosis in one and > or = 50% stenosis in a second major coronary vessel) were classified as case subjects (n=91). Hospital control subjects with no or minor stenosis (< or = 50% stenosis in no more than two of the three major coronary vessels, n=94) and population control subjects free of plaques in the carotid artery (n=85) were pooled for the statistical analysis into one control category. Enrollment procedures allowed for similar distributions in age and smoking habits. Case subjects had higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and lower levels of HDL cholesterol. Resistance time, maximum rate of oxidation, and maximum diene production were measured ex vivo using copper-induced LDL oxidation. A borderline significant inverse trend was observed for coronary atherosclerosis risk at increasing resistance time. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for the successive quartiles were 1.0 (reference), 0.77 (0.39 to 1.53), 0.67 (0.33 to 1.34), and 0.55 (0.27 to 1.15) (ptrend=0.07). No relation with maximum rate of oxidation was found, and higher maximum diene levels were found in control subjects (P<.01). The main determinant of oxidation was the fatty acid composition of LDL. No effect of smoking or use of medication was observed. We conclude that although LDL resistance to oxidation may be a factor in atherogenesis, the ex vivo measure is not a strong predictor of severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Aged↗

Effect of Brussels sprouts on oxidative DNA-damage in man.

The effect of consumption of Brussels sprouts on the excretion of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) into human urine was investigated. Ten non-smoking volunteers (five males and five females) were randomly assigned to two groups. Five volunteers started on a diet of 300 g of glucosinolate-free vegetables whereas the other five consumed 300 g of Brussels sprouts per day. After 1 week dietary regimes were reversed. Levels of 8-oxodG in 24-h urine samples were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. In four of five males a reduction in 8-oxodG was found, whereas in the fifth male the 8-oxodG excretion was high in the control period and was even much higher in the sprouts period. In females no effect of consumption of Brussels sprouts on excretion of 8-oxodG was found. Our previous and present findings support the results of epidemiologic studies that consumption of brassica vegetables may diminish cancer risk.

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine↗

Vitamins and cancer.

The prospect that high intake of certain vitamins may confer protection against cancer has drawn substantial attention during the last decades. This paper gives a concise update of the role of a number of promising vitamins in prevention of cancer. Vitamin A and its analogues have an important role in cellular processes related to carcinogenesis. However, blood vitamin A levels are under strict control and a high intake of preformed vitamin A does not seem to be relevant for cancer prevention. The antioxidant vitamins C and E and beta-carotene may also have other biological activities than free radical trapping that relate to their cancer preventive properties. Mechanisms include immune stimulation, inhibition of nitrosamine formation, enhancement of cell communication and an influence on metabolic activation of carcinogens. Epidemiological data for the antioxidant vitamins are promising, but cannot rule out that another factor or combination of factors in fruits and vegetables might be responsible for a protective effect. The B vitamin folic acid is one of these potential factors that is currently thought to have an influence on DNA methylation and thus on proto-oncogene expression. Folic acid seems to be promising and deserves further study. Vitamin D might be relevant in colon cancer development due to its close links with calcium metabolism that might influence cell proliferation. Overall, results are promising, but the first human intervention trials on (antioxidant) vitamins and human cancer have yielded somewhat disappointing results. At this moment the data seem insufficient to make recommendations for vitamin supplementation to prevent cancer. The results are certainly in line with the advice that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help reduce cancer risk.

Antioxidants↗

A review of mechanisms underlying anticarcinogenicity by brassica vegetables.

The mechanisms by which brassica vegetables might decrease the risk of cancer are reviewed in this paper. Brassicas, including all types of cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, may be protective against cancer due to their relatively high glucosinolate content. Glucosinolates are usually broken down through hydrolysis catalyzed by myrosinase, an enzyme that is released from damaged plant cells. Some of the hydrolysis products, viz. indoles and isothiocyanates, are able to influence phase 1 and phase 2 biotransformation enzyme activities, thereby possibly influencing several processes related to chemical carcinogenesis, e.g. the metabolism, DNA-binding and mutagenic activity of promutagens. A reducing effect on tumor formation has been shown in rats and mice. The anticarcinogenic action of isothiocyanates and indoles depends upon many factors, such as the test system, the target tissue, the type of carcinogen challenge and the anticarcinogenic compound, their dosage, as well as the timing of the treatment. Most evidence concerning anticarcinogenic effects of glucosinolate hydrolysis products and brassica vegetables has come from studies in animals. Animal studies are invaluable in identifying and testing potential anticarcinogens. In addition, studies carried out in humans using high but still realistic human consumption levels of indoles and brassica vegetables have shown putative positive effects on health.

Animals↗

Lipoprotein oxidation, antioxidants and cardiovascular risk: epidemiologic evidence.

This review summarizes the scientific evidence for a possible role of antioxidants in the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). Dietary antioxidants include vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene, whereas selenium is an integral part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Experimental studies suggest that the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the vessel wall plays an important role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. The resistance of LDL to oxidation is increased by antioxidant supplementation, at least in vitro. Epidemiological studies have not demonstrated unequivocally that a high intake of antioxidants leads to a decreased risk of CHD. Studies on dietary intake and serum levels of antioxidants do point in the direction of a preventive effect of antioxidants, whereas the results of intervention studies are less conclusive. Beta-carotene supplementation is not associated with any decrease in CHD; high doses of vitamin E may be beneficial, but results from large trials are to be awaited. General preventive measures based on antioxidant supplementation are not yet justifiable.

Animals↗